Browser security problems

Do your visitors a service

[DrDoc]

Lately there has been a lot of talk about how to detect different browsers, either because you want to ensure compatibility, or because you want to present a different page to the different browsers.

Why not also help your visitors to know if they are using a browser with security problems? Display a short message, telling them they should upgrade, and why (without scaring them of course). I can see this being greatly appreciated if done the right way.

We all know that Opera 6.01/6.02 experienced some security problems with file upload lately.

What other browsers/versions has problems?

[chris_f]

It's a good idea, however, there are two issues.

1. It's one more thing to reguarly update.

2. Perhaps most important. If they update and it goes wrong. You'll get the flack.

Chris

[Nick_W]

Personally I'd find it bloody annoying. But them I'm a grumpy old git ;)

Nick

[DrDoc]

> It's one more thing to reguarly update.

So, what you're saying is that you're not staying on top of things? ;) Seriously .. how often are there any main security problems like that? There are minor issues all the time, but not lots of big security holes. And whenever there is one, well, as someone who visits Webmaster World you'll be sure to keep yourself informed. ;)

> If they update and it goes wrong. You'll get the flack.

That's why you have to be careful how you phrase things, how you display the information. In the end, make it their decision whether to update or not .. you've just brought the issue to their attention.

[DrDoc]

LOL

Nick, I'll create a page with blinking text, just for you! ;)

[tedster]

It's hard to think of a browser/version that hasn't had some security problem.

Imagine the list you could have just for IE alone.

[chris_f]

DrDoc.

I have about 60 sites each with a minimum of 100 pages (some with over 10,000). I have a strict routine which I stick to to stay on top of thing (this includes visiting you forum). Although you wink you might have just touched one of my raw nerves.

If you want to do it for you site some people may find it helpful. However, I think this will not benefit most of you users and may being to affect you either by search engine ranking (although probably only very minor) and by annoying people.

[tbear]

He he, coincidentaly I entered $uper$tat$ today from a clients 'puter, to show them how things are going (I sometimes wonder why I bother LOL) and guess what a couple of pop ups telling them they should get a 'mod kit'(?) for their win2000. I'm a grumpy git too (not old tho' :) ), but the client wondered if they should comply, and how did the pop-up get there.
HHhhhhhhhhh, won't go there again.

[scotty]

Javascript used in the user-agent detection and upgrade suggestion...

if (isIE) alert("Your browser is insecure. Please upgrade to Mozilla.");else if (isMozilla) alert("Your browser is buggy and bloated. Please upgrade to Opera.");else if (isOpera) alert("Your browser does not support [insert technology]. Please upgrade to IE.")

Well... :)